New education reforms from next year Longer periods, fewer subjects, extended school days

Ministry sets 50-minute periods and extended school hours

Ministry assures textbooks, digital facilities ready for students

The Education Ministry announced that under the new education reforms for Grades 1 to 6, starting next year, the duration of each subject period will be increased to 50 minutes, while the number of subject periods will be reduced to seven, and the school day extended to 2 p.m., Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said.   

Addressing the media, he explained that the increase in period duration is to accommodate practical sessions alongside theoretical lessons. “While teaching, teachers incorporate practical activities in addition to theory. 

Therefore, the duration of each period had to be increased to 50 minutes. The National Institute of Education (NIE) initially recommended a period of one hour, but considering practical issues, the duration was limited to 50 minutes. With longer periods, the number of subjects will be reduced to seven,” he said.   

Two intervals had been recommended for school children, but it was decided to provide only one interval due to difficulties in managing students after they leave the classrooms. However, schools that can manage two intervals are free to implement them.  

“All circulars relating to the implementation of the reforms have been issued and are available on the Education Ministry’s official website,” he added.  

Although the reforms will officially apply to Grades 1 to 6, other classes will also follow the seven-subject structure.

Currently, 10,076 schools operate nationwide, with 12,626 Grade One classes accommodating 282,293 students, and 11,291 Grade Six classes with 323,896 students enrolled.   

The Ministry reported that teacher training activities are 99% complete, reaching 10,000 teacher trainers. A total of 136,065 teachers will be trained, including 21,988 in the Western Province and 15,555 in the Southern Province, with support across all nine provinces. Provincial Education Directors have assured that training will be completed nationwide by December 31, 2025.   

For the first term of next year, a total of 106 modules for Grades 1 to 6 are being finalized. The Ministry expects to receive all modules by November 15 and distribute them to schools before the start of the 2026 school year.   

The Education Ministry also rejected false reports suggesting it would withhold textbooks, confirming that all students will receive their educational materials as scheduled.   

Secretary Kaluwewa added that the Ministry plans to raise awareness among parents in December and has formed a special task force to ensure schools have adequate digital facilities and infrastructure before the first term begins.